Organizing discussions
- 1. ORGANIZING ACADEMIC RESEARCH PAPERS: The Discussion - The purpose of the discussion id to interpret and describe the significance of the findings in light of what was already known about the research problem being investigated, and to explain any new understanding or fresh insights about the problem after taken the findings into consideration. The discussion will always connect to the introduction by way of the research questions or hypotheses posed and the literature reviewed, but it does not simply repeat or rearrange the introduction. Importance of a Good Discussion - This section is considered as the most important part of a research paper because it most effectively demonstrates the ability of the researcher to think critically about an issue, to develop creative solutions to problems based on the findings, and to formulate a deeper, more profound understanding of the research problem being studied. - The discussion section is where you explore the underlying meaning of the research, its possible implications in other areas of study, and the possible improvements that can be made in order to further develop the concerns of the research - The importance of the study should be presented here and how it may be able to contribute and fill existing gaps in the field. If appropriate, the discussion section is also where stating the findings of the study reveal new gaps in the literature that had not been previously exposed or adequately described. - This part of the paper is not strictly governed by objective reposting of information, but rather is where engaging in creative thinking about issues through evidence-based interpretation of findings. This is where you infuse the results with meaning. STRUCTURE AND WRITING STYLE General Rules 1. Do not verbose or repetitive. 2. Be concise and make your points clearly. 3. Avoid using jargon 4. Follow a logical stream of thought. 5. Use the present verb tense, especially for established facts, however, refer to specific works and references in the past tense. 6. If needed, use subheadings to help organize the presentation or to group the interpretations into themes. The content of the discussion section of the paper most often includes: 1. Explain of the results: comment on whether or not the results were expected and present explanations for the results; go into greater depth when explaining findings that were unexpected or especially profound. If appropriate, note an unusual or unanticipated patterns or trends that emerged from the results and explain their meaning. 2. References to previous research: compare the results with the findings from other studies, or use the studies to support a claim. This can include re-visiting key sources already cited in the literature review section, or save them to cite later in the discussion section if they are more
- 2. important to compare with the results than being part of the general research cited to provide context and background information. 3. Deduction: a claim for how the results can be applied more generally. For example, describing lessons learned, proposing recommendations that can help improve a situation or recommending best practices 4. Hypothesis: a more general claim or possible conclusion arising from the results which may be proved or disproved in subsequent research. KEEP THE FOLLOWING SEQUENTIAL POINTS IN MIND WHEN ORGANIZING AND WRITING THE DISCUSSION SECTION OF THE PAPER 1. Think the discussion as an inverted pyramid. Organize the discussion from general to specific, linking the findings to the literature, then the theory, then to practice. 2. Use the same key terms, mode of narration, and verb tense that is used when describing the research problem in the introduction. 3. Begin by briefly re-stating the research problem being investigated and answer all of the research questions underpinning the problem posed in the introduction. 4. Describe the patterns, principles, and relationships shown by each major findings and place them in proper perspectives. 5. A good discussion section includes analysis of any unexpected findings. 6. Before including the discussion, identify potential limitations and weaknesses. Comment on their relative importance in relation to overall interpretation of the results and if necessary note how they may affect the validity of the findings. Avoid using an apologetic tone, however be honest and self-critical. 7. The discussion section should end with a concise summary of the principal implications of the findings regardless of statistical significance. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCUSSION SECTIONS SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: 1. Reiterate the research problem/state the major findings 2. Explain the meaning of the findings and why they are important 3. Relate the findings to similar studies 4. Consider alternative explanations of the findings 5. Acknowledge the Studies Limitations 6. Make suggestions for further research PROBLEMS TO AVOID 1. Do not waste entire sentences restating the results. 2. Recommendations for further research can be included in either the discussion or conclusion of the paper 3. Do not introduce new results in the discussion 4. Do not over interpret the results 5. Do not write two result sections 6. Avoid unwarranted speculations